【Resort Travel Diary】30 minutes from Miyako Airport by rental car! A journey aimed at the mysterious "Tōri Pond"

Taking the kids for their first trip to Miyako Island. Renting a car to cross the Irabu Ohashi bridge and heading toward the mysterious pond "Tōri Pond" on Shimoji Island was a recommended drive where we could experience mystical scenery.

On our first trip to Miyako Island, we planned to head to "Tori Ike" on Shimoji Island

for a family vacation. It's our first time in Miyako Island with our 6-year-old and 4-year-old children.

Among the many famous spots, the one we definitely wanted to visit was "Tori Ike" on the small island of Shimoji, which belongs to the Miyako Islands. It is connected by a bridge to the neighboring Irabu Island and can be easily accessed by car from Miyako Island via the "Irabu Ohashi" bridge.

The inspiration to head to Tori Ike came from a picture I saw on social media, where two round ponds glistened in deep blue. The image was so captivating that I instinctively stopped scrolling. I also had the desire to see that mystical scenery with my children.

As soon as we arrived at the airport, we took off in a rental car

since there are no trains in Miyako Island, cars become the main mode of transportation. The journey itself to the destination becomes part of the trip, and the freedom to explore the island at your own pace – something not possible with buses or tours – is, I believe, one of the great pleasures of traveling in Miyako Island.

Upon arriving at Miyako Airport, a staff member from the rental car company greeted us. We hopped into the van with the family and arrived at the store in about 3 minutes. After completing the procedures, we were finally ready to set off.

From the moment I gripped the steering wheel, I felt a rush of excitement. It takes about 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport to Irabu Ohashi, and about 15 minutes to cross the bridge, making it a perfectly pleasant drive that allows us to reach Tori Ike in less than 30 minutes.

Running over the sea, the breathtaking 3540m Iriomote Ohashi

After about 10 minutes of driving, we approached Iriomote Ohashi. This section of the drive was what I was looking forward to the most, and my first surprise was its length. At a total length of 3540m, it is the longest bridge in Japan that you can cross for free, and even while driving, the opposite shore was still not coming into view. Of course, there was never a moment of boredom. This is because the sea, spreading out on both sides, is just so beautiful.

From the emerald green shallows to the deep blue offshore. A straight road pierces through the gradient on the sea, giving the sensation of gliding over the water.

The bridge has gentle ups and downs, and the moment when only the sky and sea can be seen beyond a hill feels as if we are running towards the sky. The children in the backseat were glued to the window, exclaiming, "It's the sea!" The exhilarating feeling of driving, the voices of my family. It was an unforgettable time, enough to make me think that coming to Miyako Island just to cross this bridge would be worth it.

From the parking lot to the promenade! Wandering into a world like Ghibli

Crossing Iriomote Ohashi brings us to Iriomote Island. From there, crossing over to the neighboring Shimoji Island, we arrive at the Torii-ike. After 15 minutes of crossing the bridge, we finally reached the parking lot for Torii-ike. With a spacious free parking lot that can accommodate tourist buses and clean restrooms, this place is safe even for those with children.

I parked the car and started walking toward the sea. The stroll from here is enjoyable again.

The path leading to the pond is flanked by tropical plants like pandanus, growing lushly on both sides, making it feel like entering a jungle.

Strange fruits I’ve never seen before are growing, and a green tunnel covers overhead. The children are also excited, saying, "It feels like a world from Ghibli." Before reaching the destination, the journey felt like an attraction. Although the sunlight is strong, the cool breeze from the sea makes the path through the green tunnel pleasant and goes by quickly.

Finally, the street pond I reached was more mysterious than I had imagined.

As I exited the green tunnel, my field of vision suddenly opened up.

An old stone monument inscribed with "Toriike" stood quietly, and ahead, the pond came into view.

Surrounded by rugged Ryukyu limestone rock formations, there were two circular ponds. The deep blue surface of the water was surprisingly calm, and it appeared much more mysterious than when I saw it in photos on social media. A wooden walkway was built around the pond, allowing visitors to view it from various angles. When I leaned over the railing and peered down, a deep blue spread out that seemed to draw me in.

The sea-side pond has a diameter of 75m and a depth of 45m, while the land-side pond has a diameter of 55m and a depth of 25m. The two ponds are connected below the surface, and they are said to be linked to the open ocean through an underground cave. The name "Toriike" is believed to originate from this unique geography.

According to tourist information about Miyako Island, this place is also referred to as the "Dragon's Eye that sees all in the world," making it a power spot. Moreover, there are legends related to mermaids (dugongs) and stories like the stepson legend that have been passed down.

Knowing such stories while gazing at the pond made the calm surface appear even more meaningful. While I don't usually consciously seek out power spots, in front of this special place, I felt a natural urge to straighten my back.

The sheer power of nature and the unique tranquility imbued with legend resonated deeply in my heart. Even the children who had been so lively suddenly fell silent in front of the pond, discreetly peering into the water's surface. It was a moment when I felt the power that only authenticity can possess, something that cannot be experienced in manufactured tourist attractions or facilities.

The path you take is deeply engraved in your memories as the journey to the mysterious "Tōri Pond" course

The exhilaration of crossing the Irabu Ohashi bridge, the enjoyable walking paths resembling a jungle expedition, and finally arriving at the mysterious pond. This entire experience was accessible simply by getting off the plane and renting a car. The great charm of Miyako Island is being able to freely drive around the connected remote islands.

Without being bound by a timetable, you can connect spectacular views at your family's pace and as you feel inclined. You might stop by interesting beaches along the way, or take a little break if the kids get tired. Including those detours, everything became a cherished travel memory.

When I visit again, I want to cross this bridge once more and seek out new scenery. It became an unforgettable family drive.

Tōri Pond
Location: Irabu, Shimajiri, Miyakojima City, Okinawa

Written by: SYURI

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